Expert arterial ulcer care coordinating vascular intervention with advanced wound management—mobile treatment for circulation-based wounds.
Arterial ulcers are wounds caused by inadequate blood flow due to blocked or narrowed arteries (peripheral artery disease or PAD). Unlike venous ulcers from poor drainage, arterial ulcers result from insufficient oxygen delivery to tissue. They appear as painful, punched-out wounds typically on feet, toes, heels, or lower legs. Without vascular intervention to restore blood flow, arterial ulcers cannot heal regardless of wound care efforts.
• 8-12 million Americans have PAD (many undiagnosed)
• 50-70% of arterial ulcers occur in patients with diabetes
• Amputation rate without revascularization: 40% within 6 months
• With proper treatment (vascular + wound care): 85% limb salvage rate
The fundamental problem is insufficient blood flow. Blood delivers oxygen and nutrients essential for healing while removing waste products. When arteries are blocked:
Cells can't survive without oxygen. Healing requires robust oxygen supply—arterial ulcers exist in oxygen-starved tissue.
Even with good nutrition, nutrients can't reach wound if blood flow is blocked. Wound remains malnourished at cellular level.
White blood cells and antibiotics can't reach infected tissue. Infections progress rapidly and respond poorly to treatment.
Without blood flow to remove cellular waste and dead tissue byproducts, toxic substances accumulate, further damaging tissue.
Arterial ulcers are medical emergencies. Without revascularization, tissue death progresses: dry gangrene → wet gangrene → systemic infection → amputation. Timeline can be days to weeks. 40% require amputation within 6 months without intervention. Even minor wounds don't heal—a small cut becomes a major ulcer. Critical limb ischemia (CLI) has 25% one-year mortality rate, comparable to many cancers.
Treatment requires coordination with vascular surgeons. We provide comprehensive wound care alongside vascular intervention:
Immediate vascular surgery consultation. ABI testing confirms PAD. Angiography identifies blockage location. Revascularization options: angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery.
Gentle removal of loose necrotic tissue only. Avoid aggressive debridement before revascularization—can worsen ischemia. Stable dry eschar may be left intact until blood flow restored.
Non-adherent dressings prevent further trauma. Keep wound dry until revascularization. Moisture can promote wet gangrene in ischemic tissue. Protective padding prevents pressure.
After blood flow restored, aggressive wound care begins: debridement, advanced dressings, possible skin substitutes. Healing accelerates dramatically once perfusion adequate.
Smoking cessation (essential—smoking constricts arteries), cholesterol management, blood pressure control, antiplatelet therapy, diabetes management. Prevents recurrence.
Our specialists perform: vascular assessment with pulse checks and ABI measurement if equipment available, wound evaluation and staging, coordination with vascular surgery (we facilitate referrals), appropriate wound care based on perfusion status, pain management recommendations, patient education on PAD and limb protection, and close monitoring for gangrene progression. We communicate directly with your vascular surgeon to coordinate timing of interventions.
Go to ER immediately if:
• Sudden severe pain in leg or foot
• Leg becomes cold and pale/blue
• Cannot feel or move toes
• Black tissue spreading rapidly
• Fever with leg pain
• Any sign of wet gangrene (foul odor, drainage from black tissue)
Medicare Part B covers arterial ulcer treatment including mobile wound care, vascular studies, and post-revascularization management. Vascular procedures covered under Part B or Part A depending on setting. Medicare coverage details.
Rarely. If ABI is greater than 0.5 and the ulcer is very small, conservative management may succeed. However, most arterial ulcers require revascularization (angioplasty, stenting, or bypass) to restore blood flow before healing is possible. Wound care alone fails without adequate perfusion.
If revascularization is successful, most ulcers heal within 6–12 weeks with proper wound care. Healing typically begins within 1–2 weeks after blood flow is restored. Large or deep ulcers may take 3–4 months. Without adequate blood flow, ulcers will not heal regardless of time.
Critical limb ischemia is severe peripheral artery disease causing rest pain or tissue loss such as ulcers or gangrene. It requires urgent revascularization within days to weeks. Without treatment, many patients face limb loss or serious complications. This is a vascular emergency, not a condition to manage conservatively.
No. Elevation can worsen arterial insufficiency by reducing blood flow to the feet. Many patients experience pain relief by keeping the leg dependent (lower than the heart), as gravity helps blood reach the foot. This is the opposite of venous ulcers, which benefit from elevation.
After successful revascularization and initial healing, supervised walking programs can improve outcomes. Before revascularization and with an open ulcer, activity should be limited to avoid further injury. Claudication pain is a warning sign—do not push through severe pain. Always discuss safe activity levels with your vascular specialist.
We coordinate with vascular surgeons to provide comprehensive care—blood flow restoration plus expert wound management.
Healix360 Advanced mobile wound care specialists connecting patients with regenerative healing solutions. Medicare Part B accepted.
6618 San Fernando Rd Glendale Ca 91201
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